Gym Auto-Renewed Without Your Permission? Get Your Money Back.

DEMAND FOR REFUND - AUTOMATIC RENEWAL LAW VIOLATION [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [Gym Name] [Gym Address] [City, CA ZIP] Re: Demand for Refund - Unlawful Automatic Renewal Member Name: [Your Name] Membership Number: [If Known] Original Contract Date: [Date You Signed Up] Auto-Renewal Date: [Date You Were Auto-Renewed] Dear [Gym Name] Management: I am writing to demand a full refund of all charges related to the automatic renewal of my gym membership, which was processed in violation of California's Automatic Renewal Law (Business & Professions Code sections 17600-17606). BACKGROUND: On [Original Contract Date], I enrolled in a gym membership with [Gym Name]. On or about [Auto-Renewal Date], my membership was automatically renewed and my payment method was charged without proper compliance with California law. VIOLATIONS OF CALIFORNIA LAW: Your automatic renewal of my membership violated the Automatic Renewal Law in the following ways: [Check all that apply and customize:] [ ] You failed to present the automatic renewal terms "clearly and conspicuously" as required by B&P Code 17602(a)(1). The auto-renewal terms were buried in fine print / not visually distinct / hidden in a lengthy contract. [ ] You failed to obtain my "affirmative consent" to the automatic renewal terms as required by B&P Code 17602(a)(2). I was not asked to separately agree to auto-renewal - my general signature on the membership agreement does not constitute affirmative consent to automatic renewal. [ ] You failed to provide me with an acknowledgment that includes the automatic renewal terms, cancellation policy, and information on how to cancel, as required by B&P Code 17602(a)(3). [ ] You failed to provide a mechanism for cancellation that is "at least as easy" as the method I used to sign up, as required by B&P Code 17602(a)(4). [ ] You failed to send me the required advance notice 15-45 days before renewal as required for contracts that renew for terms over one month (B&P Code 17602(b)). [ ] You renewed my membership at a rate of $[Amount Charged]/month, which is higher than the $[Originally Disclosed Rate]/month that was disclosed at signup. LEGAL CONSEQUENCES: Under California Business & Professions Code section 17604, your failure to comply with the Automatic Renewal Law means that any goods or services provided to me as a result of the automatic renewal are deemed an "unconditional gift" to me. I am entitled to a full refund of all automatic renewal charges. Additionally, your conduct constitutes an unlawful business practice under California's Unfair Competition Law (B&P Code 17200), entitling me to restitution of all amounts paid. DAMAGES: Auto-renewal charges since [Date]: [Month/Year]: $[Amount] [Month/Year]: $[Amount] [Month/Year]: $[Amount] [Additional months as needed] TOTAL REFUND DEMANDED: $[Total Amount] DEMAND: I hereby demand that you: 1. Immediately refund $[Total Amount] to my original payment method or by check within fourteen (14) days; 2. Confirm in writing that my membership has been cancelled with no further charges; 3. Remove any collections activity or negative credit reporting related to this account. If I do not receive the requested refund within 14 days, I will: - File a complaint with the California Attorney General's Office - File a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs - Pursue my claims in Small Claims Court (up to $12,500) - Consider whether to seek remedies under California's Private Attorney General Act Please contact me at [Phone/Email] to confirm receipt and arrange the refund. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - Copy of original membership contract/agreement - Billing statements showing auto-renewal charges - Any communications regarding renewal or cancellation - Evidence of lack of proper disclosure/consent (if available)